After initially boosting First Nations employment largely in lower-level roles, an APS leadership program has doubled their number in senior executive service positions over the last two years, the latest state of the public service report has revealed, which also spells out the continuing prevalence of working from home.
After five decades, the Racial Discrimination Act is due for a review akin to the landmark Jenkins Sex Discrimination Act inquiry, according to a leading academic, while ACTU leader Sally McManus says unions are grappling with how to increase the racial diversity in their leadership.
Labour law expert Ron McCallum says ahead of this year's annual debate named in his honour that a "wellbeing index" for employers, and stronger measures to boost mental health, fairness and inclusion, could all help drive up productivity.
More women are being appointed to managerial roles but their high resignation rates are undermining gender equality gains, while occupational segregation remains a key driver of inequality, according to a new WGEA report.
Australian women are more likely than men to retire early, citing health concerns, menopause, pay imbalances and caring responsibilities, but many say pay parity and greater flexibility would help them stay in the workforce longer, according to a seven-country survey.
The National Construction Industry Forum has today unanimously endorsed a reform blueprint for the building and construction industry that pushes for the Albanese Government to give the FWC and FWO dispute resolution and enforcement powers.
The WGEA has published a menu of gender equality targets that employers with 500 or more employees can draw from in preparation for next year's lodgement deadline, along with a "workflow" timeline, selection guidance, and list of frequently asked questions and their answers.
Pharmacists will receive a 14.1% pay boost after a much-anticipated ruling by a FWC expert panel that scrutinised gender undervaluation, while employees under four other awards covering health professionals, disability services and daycare will have to wait for increases of up to 35% as questions of funding and new classifications are further investigated.
Australia "remains a global laggard" on work/family benefits and the next federal government should extend paid parental leave to 52 weeks, split carers and personal leave into separate 10-day entitlements, and investigate extending personal/carers and annual leave to casual workers, according to an academic group's report.
Major employer and industry organisations have lodged a last-minute protest with the FWC's president about potential changes to model consultation clauses in agreements, claiming they too closely resemble an ACTU proposal that would substantially curtail management prerogative.
